'Bloodless' bullfight will be watched by officers

TRACY, Calif. 
Animal control officers say they will monitor an upcoming so-called bloodless bullfight after an incident last week in which matadors allegedly stabbed bulls to incite them to react.

San Joaquin County Sheriff's deputies arrested two men Friday in Thornton after an animal welfare investigator witnessed the use of barbed bandarilhas in the bullring of Our Lady of Fatima Society Portuguese Hall and attempted to intervene. A fight ensued.

The men were charged Monday with misdemeanor assault on an officer.

Only Portuguese bloodless bullfighting is legal in California, and the fights must be held in conjunction with religious observances. The Portuguese matadors are supposed to use bandarilhas with Velcro tips.

The bullfight to be monitored will be held June 19 at the Portuguese Hall.